CBD’s Effects on Cholesterol Levels

February 16, 2018

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Let nature take play in keeping your body healthy…

CBD has been getting ALL the buzz lately. This immensely medicinal and all-around useful all-natural substance is unlike most elements derived from nature, and as discussions about CBD are becoming louder, state legislators are taking note, passing laws to legalize the use of CBD, which currently stands as legal in all 50 states, if the component is derived from hemp and not the related marijuana plant. CBD has an extended list of medicinal uses, everything from depression to diabetes to arthritis and even seizures.

The conditions it can assist with are never ending, which is partially why this miracle substance has gained so much popularity as more and more individuals turn towards it for aid. A much less frequently discussed use for CBD is actually to lower cholesterol levels.

Some evidence may suggest that this cannabis or hemp derived cannabinoid can impact these levels and actually improve overall heart health. Although the studies published have been overall positive claiming that CBD and hemp can help, more research does need to be discovered regarding this topic, which hopefully will occur in the near future once greater funding is allocated into cannabis related testing.

Keep reading to discover more about CBD’s Effects on Cholesterol Levels…

What Is Cholesterol?:

It is not always clear what exactly cholesterol means, unless you have a personal experience pertaining to this bodily compound. Every human being on the planet has a cholesterol level. It is by definition a lipid molecule, known as a sterol. Cholesterol is found in just about every body tissue, and it is not bad, so long as its amount is regulated and well balanced. It derives from two locations. The body itself makes all the required cholesterol for survival, with the liver primarily being in control of this function. All of the excess cholesterol is from foods that are animal derived, such as meat, eggs, some dairy products, poultry, etc.

This is why eating large quantities of bacon is often linked with health problems, because it increases the bad cholesterol within the body. Two major types of cholesterol exist, LDL (the bad kind) and HDL (the good kind). Having too much LDL and not enough HDL in the blood can lead to numerous health issues, and is linked with strokes, heart attacks and coronary heart disease. This is because this bad LDL cholesterol can form deposits within the arteries, which can cause them to become less flexible, or even produce a clot, which can trigger serious heart issues. For these reasons, it is important to maintain a good/bad cholesterol homeostasis, which is done by staying away from foods high in trans fats and saturated fats, consuming nutrient-rich foods and maintaining a proper exercise routine.

What Is CBD?:

On top of proper diet and regular exercise, it seems that research is pointing towards a link between CBD/hemp and a lowering of bad LDL cholesterol. But, what even is CBD? This may not be a familiar terminology for all, yet if you’ve smoked cannabis before, then you likely have unknowingly come into contact with this cannabinoid. There are over 100 cannabinoids present in the marijuana plant. Each of them produce their own results, but the most notorious by far has to be THC, one element of the cannabis plant that causes psychoactive effects and gives that “high” feeling. CBD is the second most common of these cannabinoids, but unlike its sister THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects, which is why it is sometimes prefered by some medical marijuana patients.

CBD is known scientifically as cannabidiol. It has become famous for its long list of medical uses, which were briefly mentioned in the introduction. CBD is 100% safe for both human and even pet consumption, and it can be derived either from industrial grade hemp, or from the marijuana plant. The kind of CBD products, however, that are legal throughout all 50 states of America, are the types derived from hemp only. A more select number of states have legalized marijuana derived CBD oil, which typically correlates with the recreational marijuana legalization.

CBD’s Effects on Cholesterol Levels:

Studies have shown that CBD has an ability to increase metabolism levels, allowing the body to process calories and burn off fat quicker, as well as being capable of decreasing cholesterol levels in the blood. Hemp and cannabis derived products contain omega 3 and omega 6, as well as being full of polyunsaturated fats, which are vital for maintaining good heart health and keeping bad cholesterol from building up in the arteries and within the body.

Research:

These studies present some evidence that CBD is effective at lowering cholesterol levels:

In April 2011, the scientific journal “Molecules and Cells”, published the results of one of their conducted animal studies. In their conclusion it was stated that hemp (CBD) oil possibly was capable of limiting the body’s ability to absorb dietary cholesterol.

The Israeli medical cannabis facility, Tikun Olam, stated in November 2012 that their newest strain release, packed with almost no THC and large quantities of CBD, was capable of treating numerous diseases, one of which was listed as heart disease, a condition related to prolonged high cholesterol levels.

Although these are only three presented examples, there are multiple additional studies that also support the claims that CBD is capable of decreasing and lowering cholesterol levels.

Ways to Consume Medicinal CBD:

There are a few possible methods of consumption with CBD, or cannabidiol. For those who enjoy and benefit from the psychoactive effects of THC, choosing a marijuana strain to smoke that has a relatively even composition of THC and CBD, can provide the best of both worlds. Some cannabis strains that are high in CBD includes, Canna-Tsu, Harlequin, Charlotte’s Web, Ringo’s Gift, ACDC, Cannatonic, Hawaiian Dream, MediHaze, Sour Tsunami, Pennywise. Each of these strains varies in the ratio between CBD/THC, but due to the numerous options, it will not be difficult to find an ideal option. Vape cartridges of these CBD rich strains are also sometimes available for purchase at dispensaries and recreational marijuana shops, in case smoking is not an option or is not suitable for you.

Probably the most common way that medical patients consume cannabidiol, is through tinctures which are simply CBD in oil form. These oils are either derived from industrial hemp or from the marijuana plant. The industrial hemp products are typically of lower potency, but they are legal in all 50 states. Marijuana derived CBD oil, on the other hand, can have an immense potency, but is not permitted in some states. Hopefully, however, in the future all forms of non-psychoactive CBD will be legalized, as well as other forms of marijuana.

Final Thoughts:

Of course it is important to note that the absolute best way to lower cholesterol levels is with proper diet and regular exercise. These two factors act immensely in this regulation, but adding in frequent use of non-psychoactive CBD oil to the equation, can further help to keep the body healthy, thriving and existing with moderate cholesterol levels. If you are an individual that has been diagnosed with high cholesterol and would like to get a grip on these levels, then some form of CBD may be able to help get you to the exact place you desire to be in regarding your health.

It is important to remember that none of what has been written in this article has been reviewed by a doctor or medical professional, and therefore should not be interpreted as medical advice. We hope you not only found this article to be entertaining, but also educational and informative. The consumption of cannabis and cannabis derived products is the sole responsibility of the user, and discretion should always be taken.

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Jonathan Miller
Jonathan Miller, age 53 is an Ex Railyard Engineer who suffers from chronic back pain and anxiety. Jonathan's goal was to create an unbiased site that would provide anyone who seeks help in CBD oil as a treatment, with accurate and helpful information.

Getting Started with CBD Oil

If you suffer from anxiety (like me), depression or pain and are looking to get started with CBD oil, you need information on how to buy CBD oil, or you’re simply looking to learn more about CBD products, you’ve arrived at the right place.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, aka CBD, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has significant medical benefits. CBD can be extracted from two different species of the Cannabis Sativa L plant, which include Cannabis and Hemp. Unlike its rival THC, CBD does not make people feel “stoned” and can actually counteract the psychoactivity of THC.

One of the main advantages of CBD is its non-psychoactive affect making it a great option for people looking for relief from inflammation, anxiety, insomnia, seizures, spasms, and other conditions.

As I mentioned above the primary distinction between Hemp and CBD oil is the part of the plant they are derived from and what parts of the plant are used to create the oil. Hemp oil is typically made from pressing cannabis seeds to extract the fatty oil from within, while some that have mastered the CBD extraction process also use the flowers as they contain high percentages of CBD. CBD oil, on the other hand, is usually made from the flowers of cannabis plant through various extraction methods.

How Does CBD Affect Your Body?

The way marijuana affects your body varies from person to person as it will often depend on genetics, tolerance to the cannabinoids, medical health, DNA, and more. It also depends on the way you consume the CBD, for example, the effects of vaping CBD are far different to smoking it in the form of high-CBD cannabis strains.

CBD and the way it affects us is still of somewhat a mystery to researchers they still try to figure out how it effects the EndoCannabinoid system. During the previous century, it was discovered that our bodies have receptors within the brain and central nervous system. Specific cannabinoids such as CBD bind to those receptors and activate the EndoCannabinoid System (ECS). This then provides a wide range of psychological and physical benefits helping the body.

Without going into specifics, cannabinoids signal to the body to create endocannabinoids and build more receptors. This helps the body to limit things associated with pain and inflammation, repairs cells and provides a wide range of other health benefits. Unlike other cannabinoids, CBD is thought to be the ultimate anti-inflammatory cannabinoid.

Medical Benefits of CBD

There is a misconception as to whether CBD can help treat patients, similar to pharmaceutical medicine, but thanks to the internet and a few different medical studies patients and researchers have been exposing their findings on how CBD oil is helping to cure a wide range of medical conditions.

The most popular story was the one of Charlotte Figi. At the time Charlotte was only 6 years old. As a little girl, she was experiencing over 300 epileptic seizures per week until she was successfully treated by a CBD-rich strain oil, later named Charlotte’s Web.

The high-quality CBD oil, changed her life, helping her to overcome a 6-year battle. Since her story hit the news, CBD and other cannabinoids of the cannabis plant are constantly being researched to understand how they can help to treat different medical conditions. As a matter of fact, CBD has been thought to help treat over 170 medical conditions, among them severe conditions such as Anorexia, Cancer, Arthritis, Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Insomnia, Glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and PTSD.

Recent studies have even shown that CBD, may cure life-threatening diseases by altering genes. Other studies have proven that it might even be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis and chronic pain.

The way that CBD works is that it interacts with receptors located in different parts of the central nervous system. These receptors are called CB1 and CB2. Both reflect the areas of the brain they interact with such as the limbic system. When taking CBD, this cannabinoid locks in on these receptors and affects the body in different ways. For example, it can help to block the pain caused by specific medical conditions.

While numerous studies have shown promising results, it is important to understand that CBD research is still at premature stages. A 2011 study that researched CBD for fibromyalgia showed extremely promising results. 56 of 112 participants who took CBD in the form of oil saw a great reduction in their symptoms and pain, while those using traditional methods didn’t see hardly any improvement.

Can you Buy CBD if you live in an illegal state?

The process is not cut-&-dry, and but thanks to the Farm Bill of 2014, forms of CBD can now be delivered to your doorstep. Those that live in recreational states can purchase CBD cannabis oil which is high in potency and extremely effective for helping to treat severe medical conditions, while those that live in other states that are not medical or recreational can benefit from CBD hemp oil. CBD Hemp oil is perfect for helping to treat a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression and acute pain.

Who is NaturalWellNessCBDOil?

My name is Jonathan, and I’ve created this loving resource that is packed with information about CBD oil. I am growing a community on Facebook and are constantly engaging with different people to help them make more informed decisions. I review products on a daily basis and provide unbiased reviews about some of the top CBD oil manufacturers. All the information on the site is FREE; I only ask that you help to share the information you find on the site with other people that are suffering.

To your health and happiness.

About Us

NaturalWellNessCBDOil provides you with recommendations of CBD Oil Producers that we’ve thoroughly tested and would recommend you to use. Our recommendations are based on real life experiences. Our goal is to provide you with unbiased information. Please read through all the reviews before you make any decisions.